Finding Trending Audio Like a Pro + Instantly Improve Your Reel Views

  • How to Find Trending Audio for Your Reels
  • How to Find Trending Instagram Sounds — Using TikTok and Beyond
  • Why Instagram Trends Follow TikTok
  • Where to Find Trending Music for Instagram Reels — Top Tools & Platforms
  • Think Cross-Platform
  • How to Create Your Own Viral Audio
If you want your Instagram Reels to get noticed, using the right trending audio is a game-changer. But with so many sounds floating around, how do you spot the ones that can actually boost your views without getting lost in the crowd? Don’t worry — I’ve got you covered.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through simple, proven methods to find trending audio that’s just right for your content. From insider tips like checking your Professional Dashboard’s “Reel Trends” to scouting the Explore tab and even leveraging Instagram’s own templates, you’ll learn how to stay ahead of the curve and keep your Reels fresh and engaging.
  • Plus, I’ll share some quick hacks to make your videos pop — like syncing your edits to the beat, optimizing your text, and shooting in the highest quality.

    Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your Reels game, these tips will help you find the perfect soundtrack and create scroll-stopping content that your audience loves.
Ready to dive in? Let’s find those trending audios and make your Reels shine!

How to Find Trending Audio for Your Reels:

Method 1:

Check "Reel Trends" in Your Professional Dashboard
  • Instagram’s Professional Dashboard is a powerful tool for creators and businesses to track insights and trends. Here’s how to use it to find trending audio:
  • Step 1:
    Go to your Instagram profile and tap on the Professional Dashboard button. This dashboard is available to business and creator accounts.
  • Step 2:
    Look for a section called “Reel Trends” (Instagram updates the name occasionally, so it might be slightly different).
  • Step 3:
    Inside this section, Instagram highlights audios that are currently trending within your niche or audience.
  • Step 4:
    Focus on saving audios that have under 8,000 uses. Why? Because these sounds are popular enough to be trending but not so overused that your Reel will get buried in the noise. This “sweet spot” gives you a better chance to stand out and get discovered.
Bonus: Regularly check this section to stay ahead of new trends and keep your content fresh.

Method 2:

Use the Explore Tab
  • The Explore tab is where Instagram surfaces content tailored to your interests and trending topics. It’s a great place to spot trending audio organically:
  • Step 1:
    Tap the Explore tab (magnifying glass icon) on Instagram.
  • Step 2:
    Scroll through Reels and tap on any video that catches your eye.
  • Step 3:
    Look at the bottom of the Reel where the audio name appears. If the audio is trending, you’ll often see a small upward arrow icon next to it, signaling its rising popularity.
  • Step 4:
    Tap the music icon or audio name to open the audio page.
  • Step 5:
    From there, save the audio to your collection so you can easily use it in your own Reels later.
This method helps you discover trending sounds in real time and gives you a visual cue (the arrow) to spot what’s gaining momentum. It’s especially useful for catching fresh trends before they explode.

Method 3:

Leverage Instagram Templates
  • Instagram has introduced pre-made Reel templates that are often built around trending audio and popular editing styles. Using these templates can be a huge time saver and engagement booster:
  • Why use templates?
    • They save you time on editing because the structure and effects are already done.
    • Templates help maintain consistent branding if you pick ones that fit your style.
    • They give your Reels a professional look without needing advanced video editing skills.
    • Since templates often feature trending audio or styles, they keep your content on trend effortlessly.
    • They are adaptable, so you can customize them to fit your message or niche.
    By using Instagram’s templates, you can quickly create polished, trendy Reels that resonate with your audience and increase engagement without spending hours on production.

Method 4:

Scope Out Big Accounts in Your Niche

Watching what successful creators and brands in your niche are doing is a classic but effective strategy:

  • Step 1:
    Identify the top accounts in your niche that consistently get good engagement on their Reels.
  • Step 2:
    Scroll through their recent Reels and pay attention to the audios they’re using.
  • Step 3:
    When you spot an audio that seems to be gaining traction but isn’t overly saturated yet, click on the audio and save it.
  • Step 4:
    This is called “saving early trending audio” — it lets you jump on trends before they become mainstream, giving you a competitive advantage.
This approach not only helps you find trending sounds but also shows you how top creators are using them effectively, which can inspire your own content ideas.

Using these four methods together will keep you ahead of the curve, helping you find and use trending audio that boosts your Reels’ visibility and engagement.

Remember, the key is to act fast, save promising sounds early, and always add your unique twist to stand out!

How to Find Trending Instagram Sounds — Using TikTok and Beyond

If you want to create high-performing Instagram Reels, the audio you choose matters just as much as your visuals.

But here’s the secret: many Instagram trends actually start on TikTok. By tapping into the audio momentum from TikTok before it fully arrives on Instagram, you can stay ahead of the curve — and maybe even go viral in the process.

Why Instagram Trends Follow TikTok

Let’s be honest: Instagram often plays catch-up with TikTok. The platform’s algorithm and user culture are heavily influenced by what takes off on TikTok first. A sound that’s trending on TikTok today might become a viral Instagram Reel in a week or two. That gives savvy creators a unique advantage — if you know where to look.
  • 1. Use TikTok as a Forecasting Tool
    How-to:
    • Open TikTok and head to the Search bar.
    • Type in keywords like "trending sounds" or "viral audio".
    • You’ll find creators who publish regular roundups like “Top 5 trending audios this week”.
    • Save the videos or the sound links you find — especially those with under 10k uses. They’re hot but not overused.
    You can also go to the “TikTok Creative Center” (search it in Google) > Trending > Songs — filter by country and industry to see what's rising fast.
  • 2. Explore the “For You” Page (FYP)
    TikTok’s FYP is a goldmine. If you hear the same audio more than twice within a 10-minute scroll, that’s a good sign it’s picking up steam.

    Pro Tip: Look for:
    • Sounds used in multiple niches (fitness, education, beauty)
    • Audio with catchy hooks, short dialogue, or remix potential
  • 3. Check the “Reels” Tab on Instagram
    Once you've gathered some promising TikTok audio, go back to Instagram and:
    • Search if that sound is available.
    • Check how many Reels are already using it (under 6K is ideal).
    • Look at how the top posts with that sound are performing — are they recent? High engagement?

🔍 Where to Find Trending Music for Instagram Reels — Top Tools & Platforms

1. ReelTrends (App + Web)
What it is:
A dedicated app for tracking trending sounds on both Instagram Reels and TikTok.
  • Key Features:
    • Real-time Reels trends by country
    • Trending sounds, hashtags, and creators
    • Save and categorize favorite sounds
    • "Early Trends" section (great for jumping in early)
  • Why it’s helpful:
    This is made specifically for creators who want to stay ahead of the Reels algorithm.
    Where to find:
    • App Store / Google Play – just search for “ReelTrends.”
2. TrendTok Analytics (App)
What it is:
An AI-based trend forecasting app that tracks TikTok sounds likely to go viral.
  • Key Features:
    • Predicts rising audio trends
    • Personalized trend feed by niche
    • Forecast by region, category, or creator
  • Why it’s helpful for Instagram:
    Most Reels trends start on TikTok. This app helps you spot them before they cross over.
3. TikTok Creative Center – “Trending Songs”

What it is:
A free browser tool from TikTok that shows what's trending by country and category.
  • Key Features:
    • Filter by region, industry (e.g., fashion, beauty, food)
    • “Hot” and “Rising” song sections
    • Sort by popularity or growth rate
  • Why it’s helpful:
    Great way to forecast which TikTok sounds will go viral on Instagram in 1–2 weeks.
4. Spotify Playlists
What to search for:
“TikTok Viral”, “Reels Trending”, “Instagram Reels Songs”, “Top 50 Global”
  • Why it’s helpful:
    Spotify playlists are often updated in real-time based on what’s trending on social media. They're a great place to find:
    • Viral hits
    • Songs from new artists gaining traction
    • Cross-platform audio trends
5. YouTube Shorts

Why it's useful:
YouTube Shorts often pick up different or slightly delayed trends — meaning you can discover underused audio for Reels.
  • How to use it:
    • Browse Shorts on mobile
    • Look for repeated sound snippets
    • Search for “viral shorts music” or “popular Shorts songs”
Don’t limit yourself to Instagram alone. If you want to set trends instead of following them, pay attention to where the trends begin — TikTok is your early-warning radar.

Use TikTok to find raw audio momentum, then apply it creatively in Reels. This cross-platform strategy will keep your content fresh, your engagement high, and your audience curious for more.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Trending Audio

Using trending audio can boost your Reels, but there are some pitfalls that can hurt your performance if you’re not careful:
  • Using Overly Saturated Audio.
    When an audio clip has been used thousands or even millions of times, your Reel risks getting lost in a sea of similar content. Instagram’s algorithm tends to push fresh or less saturated sounds more aggressively, so jumping on a trend early is key.

    Aim to use trending audios with fewer than 2,000–8,000 uses to maximize your chance of standing out and appearing on the audio’s dedicated page.
  • Copying Trends Without Adding Originality.
    Simply copying what everyone else is doing won’t make your content memorable. Audiences crave authenticity and fresh perspectives.

    Instead of mimicking a trend exactly, add your unique twist—whether it’s your personality, a different angle, or a creative edit. This helps your Reel feel genuine and increases engagement.
  • Ignoring Audio Quality or Syncing.
    Poor audio quality or failing to sync your video cuts with the beats or key moments in the sound can make your Reel less enjoyable to watch. Viewers are more likely to scroll past if the audio feels off or distracting.

    Make sure to use high-quality audio files and edit your visuals to match the rhythm, which keeps your audience hooked and enhances the overall viewing experience.

How to Create Your Own Viral Audio

Creating original audio can set you apart and even start new trends that others will use, giving you a unique advantage:
  • Experiment with Voiceovers and Sounds. Try recording your own voiceover, catchy phrases, or sounds that relate to your niche. Authentic, relatable audio clips often resonate well and can catch on quickly if they’re fun, funny, or insightful.
  • Use Music and Sound Effects Creatively. Combine music with sound effects or remix existing sounds to create something fresh. Even subtle tweaks can make your audio stand out and feel new.
  • Encourage Your Audience to Reuse Your Audio. If you create an original sound that’s catchy or useful, encourage your followers to use it in their own Reels. This can spark a viral chain reaction, boosting your reach and establishing you as a trendsetter.
  • Add Your Branding or Signature Style. Incorporate a unique sound bite or jingle that becomes associated with your brand or content style. Over time, this builds recognition and loyalty.
  • Technical Tips for Posting Original Audio. When uploading, ensure your audio is clear and well-mixed. If you edit your video outside Instagram, re-add the audio inside the app to make sure Instagram recognizes it as original or trending sound, which helps boost discoverability.
Creating your own viral audio takes creativity and experimentation, but it’s a powerful way to grow your presence and influence on Instagram in 2025.

By avoiding common mistakes and exploring original audio creation, you’ll not only ride the wave of trending sounds but also have the chance to start your own, making your Reels truly stand out.

Final thoughts

Finding the right trending audio for your Instagram Reels can truly be a game-changer when it comes to boosting your views and engagement.

By using tools like the Professional Dashboard’s “Reel Trends,” exploring the Explore tab, leveraging Instagram’s templates, and keeping an eye on what big accounts in your niche are doing, you’ll always stay ahead of the curve and keep your content fresh.
  • Remember, it’s not just about jumping on every trend — it’s about choosing audios that fit your style and adding your unique twist to stand out. Avoid common mistakes like using oversaturated sounds or copying trends without originality, and don’t forget to sync your visuals perfectly to the audio beats for maximum impact.

    If you really want to take things to the next level, try creating your own original audio.

    It’s a fantastic way to build your brand, spark new trends, and connect with your audience in a more authentic way.
So, start saving those trending sounds, experiment with your edits, and most importantly, have fun creating! Your next viral Reel could be just one great audio choice away.
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